The Mission Marketing

Employing over 600 people in 13 locations, primarily outside of London, The Mission Marketing has grown rapidly to become a strategic player and consistent expander on the communications and advertising scene. Adding 250 staff last year through four acquisitions and organic growth resulted in a year-end operating protit of £7.4m and a turnover increase of 10% to £103m.

Strategic low-cost locations throughout the UK have created the dual ability to target regional as well as international clients, and put The Mission in an advantageous position, states chief executive Iain Ferguson. Crucial too is the company’s diverse acquisitive appetite across several capabilities with a ‘bilingual’ (on and off-line) approach across all media platforms.

Branding, advertising, digital and online are the company’s highest earners, collectively earning over three quarters of total business. Recognising the potential future influence of digital and viral marketing, this area of the business is receiving substantial attention. Investments in new technologies such as computer generated images (CGI) and touch screen innovations make the group resiliant and attractive, as proven by its ability to attract high-profile clients such as Superdrug, Ecover, Domino’s Pizza and Innocent Drinks.

Expecting to pay a final dividend of 0.74p and 1.1p for the full year (1p) the company also holds £8.9m in cash. Earnings per share are up from 4.92p to 13.44p. Reflecting current cautiousness around the marketing and advertising sector the share price has fallen over the past year to the present 95.5p (133p). Forecasts are for a 16.7p EPS for 2008 and a p/e ratio of 5.7 times. After their first year of trading on the market we had much faith in this thriving group and, with the latest figures, continue to believe in The Mission.

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